King labored early, allowing four straight singles to open the game and a McNeil double followed by Baty’s two-run homer, finishing with eight runs on ten hits in just over three innings. The Padres never recovered against a Mets lineup that would go on to homer four times.

King’s health is a fulcrum; when he’s healthy, Padres can count on a sturdy mid-rotation role with whiffs and innings. In DFS, King’s status adds risk but high upside when cleared.

Michael King is highlighted as a healthy, stabilizing element for San Diego’s late-season depth and a potential postseason asset. His availability could reshape SD’s pitching plan, offering a much-needed anchor behind the bullpen and potentially elevating the Padres’ overall competitiveness as September advances toward October.

King’s 2.81 ERA in 11 starts this season underscores his upside when healthy. His history includes right shoulder inflammation and a knee issue that resurfaced after his return from the 60-day IL, making durability the key variable. If he stays on the mound, he could provide valuable innings and strikeouts for a Padres rotation that needs depth ahead of the postseason.

King is an exceptional talent when healthy, valued for his stuff and ceiling, but his injury history makes him a risk-reward bet in a market eager for durability. In San Diego he’s a strong high-end piece, yet the durability question tempers his long-term value relative to Cease.